California College of Music is a private music college in Pasadena, near Los Angeles. It is best known for contemporary music performance, music production and songwriting, with small classes and links to the Los Angeles music industry. Choose it for focused, practical music training close to Hollywood's studios.
Pasadena, United States
Official website: ccmcollege.com
Pasadena, in the Los Angeles area
Contemporary music performance and production
Small, practice-focused classes
$15,000 – $22,000
International students, diploma and degree programmes
$20,000 – $25,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ccmcollege.com before you apply.
Diploma in Music Performance
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Diploma in Music Production
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate of Arts in Music
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Bachelor of Music
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
Contemporary music training close to Los Angeles studios.
Several start dates a year.
Small ensembles and one-to-one instruction.
Graduates work as session musicians, producers, songwriters and music teachers.
Los Angeles offers access to studios, venues and the entertainment industry.
Check practical training options for your visa type before applying.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The college teaches from a compact site in Pasadena with practice rooms, studios and classrooms rather than a residential campus.
Pasadena is a historic city north-east of downtown Los Angeles, with a mild climate and a lively old town. Rent is high across the Los Angeles area.
Form I-20 issued by the college
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
The college enrols students on a rolling basis for starts through the year. International applicants should apply three to four months ahead to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
Programmes start several times a year, typically in January, April, July and October.
You need a US student visa. The college issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and show funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend a visa interview.
Music performance, music production, the associate degree and the Bachelor of Music are the main programmes. Entry usually requires an audition and IELTS 5.5-6.0.
The college may offer some talent-based awards. Ask the admissions team about current offers.
